When it launches in India in March 2025, Maruti’s first EV will take on the Tata Curvv EV, MG ZS EV and BYD’s Atto 3.
Maruti is finally ready to enter the EV space, and it bodes well that after a dismal September, sales of all-electric models saw a sharp uptick in October, crossing the 10,000 unit mark for the first time. By the time the Maruti e Vitara arrives in the Indian market in March 2025, it’ll have to contend with the Tata Curvv EV, MG ZS EV and BYD’s Atto 3, among other upcoming mid-size SUVs like the Hyundai Creta EV and Mahindra’s BE 6e. Here, we’re going to pit Maruti’s first EV against its rivals that are currently on sale.
Maruti e Vitara vs rivals: dimensions
Maruti e Vitara vs rivals: dimensions | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
e Vitara | Curvv EV | ZS EV | Atto 3 | |
Length (mm) | 4275 | 4310 | 4323 | 4455 |
Width (mm) | 1800 | 1810 | 1809 | 1875 |
Height (mm) | 1635 | 1637 | 1649 | 1615 |
Wheelbase | 2700 | 2560 | 2585 | 2720 |
Ground clearance (mm) | 180 | 186-190 | – | 175 |
Kerb weight (kg) | 1702-1899 | – | – | 1680-1750 |
Boot space (litres) | – | 500 | 359 | 440 |
Other than its wheelbase length, which approaches the Atto 3’s best in class figure, the Maruti e Vitara is smaller overall that its competition. Considering the Maruti is a born-EV, compared to the ZS EV and Curvv’s status as ICE conversions, it should use space more efficiently, and the long wheelbase should help liberate more legroom.
The e Vitara sits in the median in terms of ground clearance and in AWD form, is the heaviest of the lot here; the 65hp rear axle-mounted motor, among other additions, adds about 200kg to the single-motor Maruti.
Maruti e Vitara vs rivals: battery, range, charging
Maruti e Vitara vs rivals: battery, powertrain | ||||
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e Vitara | Curvv EV | ZS EV | Atto 3 | |
Battery size (kWh) | 49/61 | 45/55 | 50.3 | 49.92/60.48 |
Range (km) | 500+ (claimed) | 430/502 (MIDC) | 461 (MIDC) | 468/521 (MIDC) |
Power (hp) | 144/174/184 | 150/167 | 177 | 204 |
Torque (Nm) | 189/300 | 215 | 280 | 310 |
AWD option | Yes | No | No | No |
When it goes on sale in India, the e Vitara will come with two battery pack options, and the larger 61kWh unit will be the largest on offer among these rivals. The BYD, which has a slightly lower weight as the single motor versions of the Maruti EV, offers nearly the same battery size in top-spec form, and its 521km range is a good indication of what we might see on the e Vitara. At the global reveal, Maruti claimed over 500km of range on global test cycles.
The 45kWh Curvv EV has the smallest battery here with the shortest range, while the 55kWh Tata sits above the MG ZS EV and the smaller capacity BYD. We expect the 49kWh e Vitara to have a similar range on a single on the MIDC cycle.
The entry-level e Vitara has the lowest output figures here, with the base Curvv EV edging it out marginally. In fact, it’s only the dual-motor AWD e Vitara that has a higher power and torque figure than the Curvv EV and MG ZS EV. However, the Atto 3’s single motor, which makes 204hp and 310Nm of torque, is the most powerful unit here, and also giving it the quickest claimed 0-100kph acceleration time of 7.3 seconds. For reference, the claimed quickest times for the Curvv EV and ZS EV are 8.6 seconds and 8.5 seconds, respectively.
Maruti e Vitara vs rivals: estimated price, verdict
On paper, the Maruti e Vitara makes a decent case for itself, considering the price points it is expected to be launched at. The entry-level 49kWh version’s price is expected to start at around Rs 20 lakh, while the 61kWh model is expected to be priced around Rs 25 lakh. Prices for the e Vitara AWD will approach Rs 30 lakh.
Meanwhile, the Curvv EV is the most affordable of the lot, with prices starting at Rs 17.49 lakh and going up to Rs 21.99 lakh, just edging out the MG ZS EV’s price range of Rs 18.98 lakh-25.75 lakh. BYD’s Atto 3 is by far the most expensive model here at the moment, with prices starting at Rs 24.99 lakh and going up to Rs 33.99 lakh.
It should be noted that there’s a lot more information about the e Vitara that still has to be revealed, from the official range and boot space to the charhing capabilities and time taken. We expect details to trickle out in the run up to the Martuti e Vitara’s India debut at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in January.
All prices, ex-showroom, India
Also see:
Suzuki e Vitara first look video